Louise Shaffer

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Louise Shaffer
Born (1942-07-05) July 5, 1942 (age 81)
EducationConnecticut College (BA)
Yale University (MFA)
Juilliard School
Years active1967–present
Spouses
  • Toby Tompkins
  • Roger Crews

Louise Shaffer (born July 5, 1942) is an American actress, script writer, and author.

Biography[edit]

Shaffer was born in Woodbridge, Connecticut, where she showed an interest in acting early on in her life. After finishing high school, she attended Connecticut College for Women, then Yale Drama School.[1] Shaffer is a coloratura soprano, and was trained at Juilliard.[2]

Career[edit]

Actress[edit]

Throughout her life, Shaffer has appeared in numerous soap operas, including Search for Tomorrow, Hidden Faces (1968–1969), and Where the Heart Is. From 1975 to 1976, she he played split personality Serena Faraday/Josie on The Edge of Night.

From 1977 to 1984, Shaffer played journalism magnate Rae Woodard on Ryan's Hope and then reprised the role for the show's finale in 1989.[3] In the summer of 1987, she was brought onto All My Children, playing Erica's evil stepmother, Goldie Kane. After several years as a script writer on various soaps, she had brief roles on Guiding Light as Lewis oil client Mrs. Humphreys (1993), and a stint as the judge in the Peter Lewis custody battle (1994).

She was nominated for two Daytime Emmy Awards for her portrayal of Rae Woodard on Ryan's Hope; she won the award in 1983. In addition to her daytime roles, Shaffer also had a role on the short-lived Norman Lear serialized sitcom All That Glitters.

Author[edit]

Shaffer began writing for soap operas instead of acting on them. Since the late 1980s, she has written for Ryan's Hope, Loving, General Hospital, and As the World Turns.

In addition to scriptwriting, Shaffer has written numerous books.[4]

Personal life[edit]

Shaffer was formerly married to actor Toby Tompkins.[2] She is currently married to Roger Crews, who also wrote for Ryan's Hope and Search for Tomorrow.

Acting credits[edit]

List of theatre credits
Opening date Closing date Title Role Theatre
1964 The Beggar's Opera Master, New York
February 26, 1966 February 26, 1966 First One Asleep, Esther Belasco
September 27, 1967 September 30, 1967 Keep It In The Family Understudy Plymouth
July 31, 1973 August 26, 1973 Two Gentlemen of Verona Julia Delacorte
March 17, 1976 March 28, 1976 The Boss Playwrights Horizon
April 25, 1973 June 17, 1973 The Women Second Hairdresser
Second Model
Cigarette Girl
46th Street
List of film and television credits
Year Title Role Notes
1967 Run For Your Life Donna Sanders Episode: "A Very Small Injustice"
1968 Hidden Faces Maratha Logan
1969–
1973
Where the Heart Is Allison Hathaway Archer Jessup Unknown episodes
1975–
1976
The Edge of Night Josie/Serena Faraday Unknown episodes
1977 Kojak Francie Foster Episode: "Kojak's Day, Parts 1 and 2"
1977 All That Glitters Andrea Martin
1977–
1989
Ryan's Hope Rae Woodard 549 episodes
1980 Quincy, M.E. Mrs. Davenport Episode: "Deadly Arena"
1984–
1985
Search for Tomorrow Stephanie Wilkins Wyatt #2 Episodes: 1.8574 and 1.8669
1987 Matlock Elinor Episode: "The Rat Pack"
1987 Police Story: The Freeway Killings Laura Healey
1987 All My Children Goldie Kane Unknown episodes
1994 Guiding Light Judge Tillman

Writing credits[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Cherlin, Merrill. "Louise Shaffer:The Feminist is a Lady!". Afternoon TV. October 1978.
  2. ^ a b Ross, Marilyn T. "Louise Shaffer:I Took a Year Off to Do a Play". TV Day Gosspip. November 1975.
  3. ^ Goudas, John M (August 13, 1984). "Soap Opera Scene". Gadsden Times.
  4. ^ Eubanks, Michelle Rupe (May 16, 2003). "Former Soap Actress Takes Foray Into Literature". Times Daily.

Bibliography[edit]

External links[edit]